IEEE 3173-2026

This standard specifies the design of hazard labelling for known and suspected endocrine-disrupting chemicals, with example implementations in a range of potential use cases, including labelling of chemicals, labelling of electrical and mechanical components, labelling of consumer products, labelling of food and drug preparations, and hazardous areas. Whether a use case merits or should require the application of this hazard labelling is not within the scope of this standard. This standard also describes a gradation of classes of risk which may be optionally displayed to inform about the particular level of a hazard. However, what substances, quantities, or concentrations may merit a particular risk classification is not within the scope of this standard. This standard is not intended to be applied within the domains of food and pharmaceuticals. However, packaging of food or pharmaceuticals that itself may contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals remains in scope.

The purpose of this standard is to address endocrine-disrupting chemicals which are commonly and increasingly embedded within a wide range of industrial and consumer products and processes. These substances present uniquely insidious challenges to public safety as their harmfulness may not be immediately noticeable unlike other more caustic or explosive substances which are subject to strict chemical labelling requirements. Effects upon human and non-human life may not be catalogued for generations. Moreover, endocrine-disrupting chemicals are exceptionally difficult to render inert, and cross-contamination of products and the environment during recycling and manufacturing processes is an increasing challenge.

New IEEE Standard - Active. Specified in this standard is the design of a hazard symbol for chemicals known or presumed to be endocrine disruptors, as well as those suspected of being endocrine disruptors. It includes example implementations for a range of potential use cases, such as labeling chemicals, electrical and mechanical components, consumer products, and hazardous areas. Additionally, it introduces a symbol to indicate the absence of endocrine disruptors, for optional use on products or to support awareness-building activities.